[Verse 1]
There's leaves on the ground
In the driveway of the house that you grew up in
That you don't live in anymore
We used to shoot hoops, talk trash
Have a few laughs, then ride our bikes into town

[Verse 2]
There's leaves on the ground
In the parkin' lot of the school we rode the bus to
We liked the same girls, sang along to the songs we cussed to
Yeah, tonight, it's kinda quiet and I just been drivin' around

[Chorus]
Well, maybe next year, next year
This time of year won't hurt so bad
Maybe next year, next year
This cold air won't stir up the past
Next year, the marchin' band songs won't sound so sad
But I ain't gettin' my hopes up, and you know what?
It's okay 'cause I think God made some memories
We ain't meant to get around
Like all these leaves on the ground

[Verse 3]
They show up like clockwork every single September
Like I'd ever forget those days and I think about
What you'd be doin' right now
Your kids and my kids, they'd be hangin' out
They'd be laughin' about the clothes we wore
And how much root beer we drank on your mama's porch

[Chorus]
Maybe next year, next year
This time of year won't hurt so bad
Maybe next year, next year
This cold air won't stir up the past
Next year, the scoreboard buzzin' won't sound so sad
But I ain't gettin' my hopes up, and you know what?
It's okay 'cause I think God made some memories
We ain't meant to get around
Like all these leaves on the ground

[Bridge]
Bittersweet
But it ain't no different when the grass is green
I can find somethin' in anything that makes me miss you

[Chorus]
So maybe next year, next year
This time of year won't hurt so bad
Maybe next year, next year
Oh, this cold air won't stir up the past
Next year, the marchin' band songs won't sound so sad
But I ain't gettin' my hopes up, and you know what?
It's okay 'cause I think God made some memories
We ain't meant to get around
Like all these leaves on the ground